Despite Virus Marion Sees $5.2 Million in Building Permits

Even with the outbreak of the Chinese COVID-19 coronavirus and the nearly worldwide shutdown of national economies, not everyone is staying at home biding their time. Projects long in the works remain ongoing and Marion saw $5.2 million in building permits filed in March.

Future site of Love's Truck Stop and Travel Center

Love's Travel Stops filed an application for a nearly $2.8 million building permit with the city on March 20 which has been subsequently approved. They purchased two parcels of land on the north side of The Hill Avenue (formerly Morgan Avenue) from the developers of The Hill last summer for just under $3.7 million. The land sits between as yet to be built extension of North Carbon Street and the Stanford Street at the stoplights installed east of the Interstate 57 intersection.

The builders also bought a third tract of land from the developers near the water tower for a sign. 

The same day Love's filed for their permit. O'Reilly Auto Parts also filed for a half million dollar expansion of their store at 200 S. Court St. The other major project is a $1.57 million office building north of the Illinois Centre Mall on Sioux Drive for Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission.

Meanwhile work continues on the new Fujiyama's Japanese Steakhouse on Walton Way between Sam's Club and Mackie's Pizza.

Also Marion Campground & RV Park is adding a covered deck and patio according to their $7,000 permit.